As summer nears an end and fall approaches, some families may still be looking to escape town for a relaxing vacation. Last minute plans can often work out better because we don't have the time to spend hours pouring over destinations, excursions, clothes to buy/pack and the like. Consider the following tips if you want to get away for some relaxation:
-Travel midweek. Even this time of year, greater hotel and airfare availability may be found from Wednesday to the following Tuesday or Tuesday to Friday. Costs used to be less on the weekends with a Saturday overnight because business travelers were home then, but so many folks travel now, that isn't necessarily true anymore.
-Be flexible. Either check airline websites or travel sites like kayak.com to view posted sales, sometimes up to two weeks out. If you've a destination preference, key the city in to check for low fares - either for that particular place or somewhere reasonably close.
-Look at alternative sources. Airfare and car rental can be less expensive if you look at substitute plans. If the kiddies want to visit Disneyland, rather than flying into Los Angeles International, buy your tickets for John Wayne Airport in Anaheim. Not only is JWA an international airport, it's only a hop, skip and jump to Disneyland. Even better, it's supposedly less busy and easier to navigate than LAX. When figuring where you want to go, consider less well-known airports. When you arrive, avoid airport car rental agencies if possible. Surcharges, taxes and fees are tacked on by airports - extra money for cotton candy and hot dogs with Mickey and Minnie. Opt instead for an in-town rental location or, even better, check RelayRides.com, a ride-sharing service that saves about 35 percent over the traditional rental.
Ellen Phillips -Think about a cruise. CruiseCritic.com is one of my favorite sites for both immediate and long-range planning. Be on the lookout for cancellations. Ships prefer to book at a steep last-minute discount than sail with empty cabins, and Cruise Critic offers these prizes, along with lots of other great information. Not only can prices drop by 40 percent, but kids often tag along for free.
-Compare different city prices. You've already checked less well-known airports; now, look at the specifics offered for different cities on your getaway bucket list. Let's say good eats and sightseeing are toward the top of your list, and you're deciding between San Francisco and Nashville. While each city claims several colleges and universities, investigate those in each location with different offerings - for example, collections at their schools' museums. And if both cities appeal with minor differences, put your taste buds to work. Adore Chinese food? While Nashville is home to some great restaurants, you won't beat San Francisco's Chinatown for delicious authentic dining with lots of choices to boot. On the other hand, country music aficionados won't find a better vacation than Nashville, including good food and wonderful places of interest.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.